Meet the SLS Baha Mar: a Tropical, Art-filled Wonderland

When you check in to the SLS Baha Mar, it feels like you’ve stepped into an art and design junkie’s daydream. The vibe is distinctly unique; a mix of modern tropical luxury with just a hint of vintage cool. The bright, airy lobby welcomes you with a mix of expertly chosen midcentury style furniture that’s been arranged into intimate seating areas. Behind the front desk, you’ll find friendly staff and a gorgeous curated gallery wall made up of small art works that pay tribute to the Bahamas (think: vintage prints of palm leaves and monkeys, paired with abstract ocean scenes).

As the bell-hop takes you towards the elevator, you pass a vignette of modern furniture; a small coffee table at the center is topped with a stack of design books just begging to be cracked open. One thing is very clear: this is the Bahamas like you’ve never seen it before.

Located ten minutes from the Nassau airport within a $4.2 billion resort complex, the SLS Baha Mar is a luxury resort designed with the art and design lover in mind. The SLS Baha Mar features 299 rooms, world-class décor, and unforgettable dining and nightlife experiences. Along with exquisite world class restaurants (including, Katsuya by Starck, Cleo Mediterráneo and Fi’lia by James Beard Award Winning Chef Michael Schwartz), several swimming pools and a spa, the resort complex is also home to it’s very own art gallery The Current, which exclusively features and provides residency programs to local Bahamian artists.

The resort complex has an impressive collection of Bahamian art comprised of more than 2,500 pieces from local artists—all sharing a common unconditional love for The Bahamas. Whether you’re wandering through the casino or strolling out to the pool, striking contemporary art can be found at every turn.

If you’re looking to engage your creative side while at the SLS, here are some suggestions.

Enjoy a cocktail at The Monkey Bar.

SLS Baha Mar’s signature lobby bar is the resort’s social hub, offering a sophisticated indoor space where guests can meet and mingle while enjoying small bites and signature craft cocktails. This upscale lounge channels the playful character of SLS with touches that include gold chandeliers and candelabras, vintage inspired furniture and large irreverent portraits of monkeys dressed to the nines.

Dine at Katsuya.

Design enthusiasts will be in heaven at Katsuya where master sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi’s modern take on Japanese cuisine is paired with Philippe Starck’s iconic sleek and sultry interior. The result in a sophisticated sushi restaurant that transports guests to the bustling streets of Tokyo.

Get inspired while soaking up the sun.

Pristine turquoise waters. Perfectly pastel hued buildings. Palm trees. With the gorgeous scenery both inside and outside the SLS Baha Mar, it’s hard not to feel inspired during your stay. Between the signature white and black striped cabanas of the Bungalow Pool and the adorably retro Airstream trailers-turned-food-trucks that are scattered along the beach, everywhere is an amazing photo opportunity waiting to be had. After a delicious weekend soaking up all the beauty SLS Baha Mar has to offer, the only thing left to do is turn the camera towards yourself.

Simone Paget is a food, travel and lifestyle writer based on the West Coast of Canada. She’s a nationally syndicated sex and relationship columnist for the Toronto Sun and the author of the blog SkinnyDip.ca. Her work has appeared in/on publications such as the Washington Post, Elle Canada, and The Toronto Star.

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